Mini Folklife Festival equals education and fun

Tech. Sgt. McKenley Matson, an electrical and environmental systems specialist with the 433rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, stirs a crock-pot full of black-eyed-peas during the 2009 Alamo Wing Mini Folklife Festival. The black-eyed-peas were one of several samples offered to guests at the Soul Food booth. Macaroni salad and dirty rice were also on the menu. Airmen who set up the booth reminded Airmen from the Alamo Wing that there are many cultures within America. The annual festival began in 2001 and is put on by Airmen from 433rd Airlift Wing. Like the large-scale version happening in San Antonio later in the week, it is designed to raise and promote cultural awareness and appreciation by incorporating transcendental elements such as food, music and art in a family-friendly environment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez)